Cowboys are coming to Del Mar

Professional Bull Riders Del Mar Invitational takes over the fairgrounds on Sunday

Just across the way from Del Mar’s grandstand, away from the well-coiffed jockeys and bejeweled ladies, there’ll be some old-fashioned cowboys kicking up dirt on Sunday at the Professional Bull Riders Del Mar Invitational.

This competition, which sees riders from all around the world tackling rowdy bulls, attracts thousands of fans across the United States. Here’s what you need to know:

The PBR: Professional Bull Riders Inc. was formed by bull riders in 1992 and since then, they’ve made their sport the most popular event in traditional rodeo. The league is still owned and operated by its athletes. The Touring Pro Division that will ride on Saturday is made up of up-and-coming riders.

What you’ll see: The riders must stay on the bull for a minimum of eight seconds. Judges award scores out of a possible 100 points and base their scoring on control and body position, among other things. There will be lots of falling and rodeo clown antics, too.

Extras: There will also be the very dangerous Bull Poker, where cowboys try to avoid getting squashed by a bull; a Cowboy Teeter-Totter, which is basically a seesaw competition in which riders have to avoid getting bucked off by the bull.

Two for one: If you want to experience the full spectrum of equestrian activities, a PBR ticket will get you free entrance to the stretch run section at the horse races on Sunday only.